Zenit Set To Land Porto Striker, Hulk For €50 Million

Zenit St Petersburg look set to clinch the signature of Porto striker Hulk, with Premier League clubs having been priced out of a proposed €50 million transfer.

Hulk, 26, has long been linked with a switch to Chelsea, but Porto's asking price - in excess of £40 million - has proved a stumbling block.

It now appears Russian side Zenit will land the Brazil international. A source told ESPN: "Despite all the rumours and speculation, no English clubs were bidding for Hulk - he was far too expensive.

"Zenit will pay a minimum of €50 million. The fee might be as high as €60 million. I expect it will go ahead in the next 24 hours, but no English club was prepared to come anywhere near to that figure."

Porto's media officer, Ahaz Felleger, said this week: "Tuesday or, maximum, Wednesday, there will be a solution. There are three proposals from abroad - two English clubs and Zenit. There are talks with the player and with Porto. "Staying in Porto is also a real possibility. He is very satisfied and there is no problem."